Healthy Campus

Life University Goes Green
As one of the first 200 college and university presidents to sign on in support of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, Dr. Guy F. Riekeman has been offered and accepted membership in the Leadership Circle as a Founding Member on Feb. 17, 2007.

As a member of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment and Leadership Circle, Dr. Riekeman has committed Life University to accept the responsibilities for recruiting other college and university chancellors and presidents in support of this initiative, as well as taking immediate action to implement initiatives for greening the campus and becoming a sustainable community. The following initiatives include eliminating greenhouse gas emissions over time on the Life University campus by completing an emissions inventory; setting a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral within two years; taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing from a list of short term actions; integrating sustainability into the curriculum and making it part of the educational experience; and making the action plan, inventory and progress reports publicly available.

The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment addresses global warming by gathering high education institutions to unite in an effort to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions. The American College and University President’s Climate Commitment is coordinated and supported by Second Nature, ecoAmerica and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Making Life a Healthier Place to Live
The mission of Life University is to educate its students in a set of core life proficiencies, equipping them to become skilled professionals, and preparing them for successful careers focused on serving the health needs of society. With this is in mind, one of the University’s priorities is to improve the health of the communities we serve. By becoming completely smoke free, we are furthering this mission, and in doing so, we are setting an example of wellness and prevention that is important to the health of our staff, students, and community.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. Life University is addressing the number one health risk today by instituting a campus-wide no smoking policy. In addition, many people are unaware of how smoking affects their heath and their ability to recover from illness. We hope this new policy will educate and remind our faculty, staff, and the community about the health risks linked with smoking.
Our current No Tobacco policy prohibits smoking or the use of any other tobacco product anywhere on the Life University campus. This new policy, which took effect August 21, 2006, prohibits smoking or other tobacco use within the buildings and on grounds on Life University’s property.
Eliminating all smoking on our campus reinforces our mission as a leading healthcare educational institution, and sends a clear message that good health and healthcare do not include smoking or the use of other tobacco products. It also is a good way to support those who are trying to quit, effectively eliminating the triggers that make smoking cessation difficult.

New food vendor expands choices at Life University’s Campus Café
There's something new on the menu at Life University.

Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2007, Carlyle’s will offer a hot breakfast (no grill) and a Grill & Deli Line for lunch. Then beginning on Tuesday, July 10, 2007, the Café will feature a full menu including a Fresh Fruit Bar, Bagel and Pastry Bar, Full Breakfast Grill, Breakfast Specials, Hot Entrée line, International Flair Line, and Full Salad Bar.

Carlyle’s will be a great addition to the campus. Not only will Life University patrons be able to have more varied food choices, but Carlyle’s program “Fitness Flair” offers menu choices that are healthy and list the nutritional contents daily of a changing menu.

Life University Village Farmers’ Market
On June 6, 2007, Life University opened an outdoor market for fruits and vegetables, plants, and other delights. All products are grown locally using organic or sustainable farming methods (no chemical fertilizers or pesticides). Some growers are certified organic by the USDA.